The PET scan is completed after a trip to Baton Rouge on a day of amazing traffic matters. On our drive over this morning we listened to radio reports that an alligator on the I-10 had created a four to five mile backup. I watched the noon news in the waiting room while Gary was being scanned and learned that I-12, the highway we do travel, was closed due to a fatal accident. We drove back I-10 to laPlace, I-55 to Hammond, I-12 to Covington. Not a hard drive, but loooong! We have been especially blessed when it comes to making the drives and have not been part of any snag as of yet.

Our day had to begin early for a stop at St.Tammany Hospital. No, not another emergency. Gary's platelet count was low when we were at Tulane Friday. This doesn't mean a problem except that he has to have teeth pulled Monday to pass the required dental screening. They told us to check with Dr. Oubre, the oncologist in Mandeville. I called yesterday and they took care of it: 1) trip to hospital today for typing and matching; 2) trip to hospital tomorrow to receive platelets, i.e., transfusion; and 3) trip to hospital Thrusday for CBC followed by appointment with Dr. Oubre. There goes the week!!

It is our hope that while Gary is taking his transfusion tomorrow, I will have time to go by the school board and turn in my application for leave. I talked to my principal yesterday. The request is for me to be off the first eight weeks of school, returning on Oct 7 (I think - if that's the Monday.) It's sort of a random choice, based on the hope that the transplant will take place in August, and the fact that all grades necessary for that first report card will be given by the new teacher. The ninth week will provide the students and myself some transition before I take any significant grades.

Let us all pray that the scan shows less cancer and Gary will not have to undergo any more chemo before hospitalization. We don't expect to know before Monday. The next appointment at Tulane is Thurs., Aug 7. If everything is good, transplant will soon follow. Hopefully we will be given some type of calendar, and be able to make final preps.

Love to all and keep praying as we keep learning!
Robbi